Panera Bread is being sued after a college student with a heart condition died after drinking Charged Lemonade.
A lawsuit filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on Monday, as initially reported by NBC News, alleges that the drink is a "dangerous energy drink" and accuses Panera of failing to adequately warn consumers about its high caffeine content.
For reference, the drink allegedly contains more caffeine than a can of Red Bull and Monster Energy drinks combined.
The lawsuit has been brought forth on behalf of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student known for her contributions to underserved communities as a CPR instructor and her work as a research assistant at a children's hospital.
Panera's Charged Lemonade. Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/GettyKatz, who had a preexisting heart condition called long QT syndrome type 1, was advised by her medical professionals to avoid energy drinks.
Tragically, she fell victim to her heart condition after purchasing a Charged Lemonade from a Panera Bread establishment in Philadelphia on September 10, 2022.
Panera Bread expressed its condolences in a statement released on Monday, stating: "We were very saddened to learn this morning about the tragic passing of Sarah Katz, and our hearts go out to her family. At Panera, we strongly believe in transparency around our ingredients. We will work quickly to thoroughly investigate this matter."
Katz's roommate and close friend, Victoria Rose Conroy, revealed that Katz was exceptionally cautious about her health. Conroy shared: "She was very, very vigilant about what she needed to do to keep herself safe. I guarantee if Sarah had known how much caffeine this was, she never would have touched it with a 10-foot pole."
The Charged Lemonade was marketed alongside non-caffeinated and less-caffeinated drinks and was promoted as a "plant-based and clean" beverage with caffeine content comparable to the restaurant's dark roast coffee, according to evidence provided in the wrongful death lawsuit.
However, the suit contends that the large Charged Lemonade contains a staggering 390 milligrams of caffeine, surpassing the caffeine levels in any size of Panera's dark roast coffee. The beverage also contains guarana extract, another stimulant, and the equivalent of nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar.
Elizabeth Crawford, a partner at the law firm Kline & Specter stated: "I think everyone thinks lemonade is safe. And really, this isn't lemonade at all. It's an energy drink that has lemon flavor. It should have an adequate warning."
The lawsuit further alleges that the Charged Lemonade is "defective in design because it is a dangerous energy drink" and highlights the absence of any warnings regarding its potential health risks.
The label on Charged Lemonade. Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/GettyThe lawsuit reveals that Katz had purchased an Unlimited Sip Club membership from Panera, which allowed her unlimited drinks for a monthly fee. She had bought at least one other Charged Lemonade in the days leading up to her tragic cardiac arrest.
On the day of her demise, Katz consumed a Charged Lemonade and later collapsed at a friend's birthday gathering. Emergency responders transported her to the hospital, where she experienced another cardiac arrest, ultimately leading to her untimely passing.
Katz's parents, who declined to comment on the lawsuit, are now on a mission to make the public aware of the potential dangers of Panera's Charged Lemonade. Their goal is to ensure that no one else experiences a similar tragedy.
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